Oil change questions

I just got me a newer truck, and I'm thinking I want to do the oil
changes myself. I now have a 2000 S-10 ZR2, meaning I have skid
plates. I know where the oil filter is, and don't think that'll be a

problem for R&R. How is the pan drain? I didn't crawl underneath it
yet, at least enough to see the oil pan drain.
Grease fittings, are these the same as on my 94 Jimmy? 1 for each
ball joint (4), 1 at each joint in the steering, with an extra on the
idler arm (count 5 here), and I know there should be 2 more, or are
there 7 on the steering system? I know there are 11. Do you all just
use spray white lithium grease for lubing door hinges, hood latch,
door latches, etc?

You will find the drain plug right at the rear of the oil pan.
The skid plates wont interfere with you being able to
reach the drain plug

Grease fittings are probably the same as your 94. The only difference
that I've seen is that the inner tie rod fittings are straight and you
cannot get at them with a regular grease gun end. You need a
90 degree fitting for those two zerks. It's stupid and I would
be tempted to unscrew the factory ones and install 90 degree
zerks at those locations.
Try and find something different then the white grease. I
don't know the name of the stuff we use, but it sprays
on in a liquid form and then turns to a grease in a few
minutes. This is helpful when you want to actually have
the grease "inside" the different hinges and joints.
Ian

Thanks. I never actually did a lube on the 94, always had a place do
it for me. Changing my ways with this one, trying to keep costs down.
Also considering one of those valves that screws into the drain plug
hole, so all I have to do is hook up the little hose and flip the
lever to drain the oil.

I use Fluid Film. It is a little expensive, but it is an excellent spray
lubricant.
As far as the auto drain system, I would personally steer clear. It's not
hard to go under there and unscrew one plug to drain oil, but is the most
"secure" way of holding in your oil. I can think of nothing worse than
flying down the highway to have your low oil press. light come on because
the valve failed.

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